Duke ($$$) vs. Chicago (sticker) Forum

[quetzalcoatl]

I was wondering what people think about Chicago vs. Duke with 60K. Im going to ASW at Chicago this weekend, but I loved Duke's ASW. Money is of course the big factor here (meaning its the only reason I would take Duke over U of C). Im just wondering if people think it is enough to miss out on Chicago?

I see myself eventually returning to Texas (whether this happens right out of school, after 10 years on the hill, or after 30 years at NYC big law, etc., remains to be seen). I really have no idea what I want to practice except something involving finance (Fin Reg public policy, securites, M & A, who knows). Im used to living in a smaller town, but it could be fun trying something new (or maybe it would just stress me out/affect my grades). Any thoughts? Is it crazy to pass on a HYSCCN level degree?

[dakatz]

I was wondering what people think about Chicago vs. Duke with 60K. Im going to ASW at Chicago this weekend, but I loved Duke's ASW. Money is of course the big factor here (meaning its the only reason I would take Duke over U of C). Im just wondering if people think it is enough to miss out on Chicago?

I see myself eventually returning to Texas (whether this happens right out of school, after 10 years on the hill, or after 30 years at NYC big law, etc., remains to be seen). I really have no idea what I want to practice except something involving finance (Fin Reg public policy, securites, M & A, who knows). Im used to living in a smaller town, but it could be fun trying something new (or maybe it would just stress me out/affect my grades). Any thoughts? Is it crazy to pass on a HYSCCN level degree?

I'm probably passing on Chicago. There is no objective answer as to whether or not it is "crazy" to do so. It is all relative to your particular situation. Both schools obviously have different feels to them, and it is all about the marginal benefits. I would look into the placement stats for both schools in Texas. If Chicago only places marginally better into Texas, then it might be smart to take the 60K. But if you have hopes of some sort of academia or prestigious clerkship, then Chicago may be the way to go. The one thing you don't want to do is listen to people who say stuff like "Dude, its Chicago. You should go". Consider your circumstances, what matters most to you, etc. Either way, you have two great options and can't go wrong.

[quetzalcoatl]

I was wondering what people think about Chicago vs. Duke with 60K. Im going to ASW at Chicago this weekend, but I loved Duke's ASW. Money is of course the big factor here (meaning its the only reason I would take Duke over U of C). Im just wondering if people think it is enough to miss out on Chicago?

I see myself eventually returning to Texas (whether this happens right out of school, after 10 years on the hill, or after 30 years at NYC big law, etc., remains to be seen). I really have no idea what I want to practice except something involving finance (Fin Reg public policy, securites, M & A, who knows). Im used to living in a smaller town, but it could be fun trying something new (or maybe it would just stress me out/affect my grades). Any thoughts? Is it crazy to pass on a HYSCCN level degree?

I'm probably passing on Chicago. There is no objective answer as to whether or not it is "crazy" to do so. It is all relative to your particular situation. Both schools obviously have different feels to them, and it is all about the marginal benefits. I would look into the placement stats for both schools in Texas. If Chicago only places marginally better into Texas, then it might be smart to take the 60K. But if you have hopes of some sort of academia or prestigious clerkship, then Chicago may be the way to go. The one thing you don't want to do is listen to people who say stuff like "Dude, its Chicago. You should go". Consider your circumstances, what matters most to you, etc. Either way, you have two great options and can't go wrong.

I guess the situation is that I dont want to limit my options when Im not totaly sure what I want to do. If I was totally set on returning to Texas immediatley, I would take the 60K and go to Duke. Problem is I dont want to fall in love with public policy/academia/SCOTUS clerkships (haha, I wish) and then regret my decision.

[dakatz]

I was wondering what people think about Chicago vs. Duke with 60K. Im going to ASW at Chicago this weekend, but I loved Duke's ASW. Money is of course the big factor here (meaning its the only reason I would take Duke over U of C). Im just wondering if people think it is enough to miss out on Chicago?

I see myself eventually returning to Texas (whether this happens right out of school, after 10 years on the hill, or after 30 years at NYC big law, etc., remains to be seen). I really have no idea what I want to practice except something involving finance (Fin Reg public policy, securites, M & A, who knows). Im used to living in a smaller town, but it could be fun trying something new (or maybe it would just stress me out/affect my grades). Any thoughts? Is it crazy to pass on a HYSCCN level degree?

I'm probably passing on Chicago. There is no objective answer as to whether or not it is "crazy" to do so. It is all relative to your particular situation. Both schools obviously have different feels to them, and it is all about the marginal benefits. I would look into the placement stats for both schools in Texas. If Chicago only places marginally better into Texas, then it might be smart to take the 60K. But if you have hopes of some sort of academia or prestigious clerkship, then Chicago may be the way to go. The one thing you don't want to do is listen to people who say stuff like "Dude, its Chicago. You should go". Consider your circumstances, what matters most to you, etc. Either way, you have two great options and can't go wrong.

I guess the situation is that I dont want to limit my options when Im not totaly sure what I want to do. If I was totally set on returning to Texas immediatley, I would take the 60K and go to Duke. Problem is I dont want to fall in love with public policy/academia/SCOTUS clerkships (haha, I wish) and then regret my decision.

Then I think you have a very solid case for choosing Chicago. Though, I think people tend to overemphasize the marginal differences between these top schools. If anything, Chicago would open up a few more doors into these areas. But in no way does that indicate that Duke would preclude you from entering them.

[quetzalcoatl]

If Im considering creating a spread sheet with an algorithm that is linked to a checking account that will auto-draft my seat deposit to the appropriate school after it makes an objective decision, is that res ipsa loquitor proof that im a nerd and should go to chicago?

[thickfreakness]

Then I think you have a very solid case for choosing Chicago. Though, I think people tend to overemphasize the marginal differences between these top schools. If anything, Chicago would open up a few more doors into these areas. But in no way does that indicate that Duke would preclude you from entering them.

Because of this, I'd take Duke.

[quetzalcoatl]

Then I think you have a very solid case for choosing Chicago. Though, I think people tend to overemphasize the marginal differences between these top schools. If anything, Chicago would open up a few more doors into these areas. But in no way does that indicate that Duke would preclude you from entering them.

Because of this, I'd take Duke.

Maybe I can ask for another 10 to 20k. That would seal the deal. Do you think they would consider an acceptance to a higher ranked school as leverage to grant a half-scholly?

[AngryAvocado]

This is just my opinion, but the 60k would be the third figure I'd be considering on my totem pole of importance behind 1) Placement opportunities and 2) Personal Happiness. 60k is a lot of money, sure, but it's still less than a single year's COA and is almost certainly going to be trivial in the long run coming from either of these two schools. If, though, you think you'd be miserable at Chicago and have reason to think that the placement is pretty similar in the area you want to end up, then by all means take the money and run. Just don't let the 60k make up for the one or the other of the two items on the totem pole.